JPMorgan analyst Christopher Horvers believes the next week will be telling with respect to Walmart shares "as to how long-only investor positioning changes." If the stock fails to bounce, it could indicate that it could grind lower to $87, which represents an in-line with the S&P 500 multiple on the high end of guidance, Horvers tells investors in a post-earnings research note. He notes the company's ecommerce growth rate "surprisingly slowed" to 23% versus the 40% target for 2018 while management gave indications on the call that it will not snap back to 40% in Q1. Horvers lowered his price target for Walmart shares to $98 from $103 and keeps a Neutral rating on the name following yesterday's Q4 report.

Walmart announced the opening of its newest high-tech consolidation center in Minooka, Illinois. The new 492,000 square-foot facility will bring nearly 700 additional jobs to the area, Walmart said, adding that once implemented, the facility's automated technology can enable three times more volume to flow throughout the center. This building will be the third of its kind in Walmart's supply chain. "We've made continued investments in our people, facilities and technology to ensure we have the right product, in the right place, at the right time," said Mike Gray, Senior Vice President of Ambient Operations at Walmart. "As part of these investments, the Minooka facility will provide even more opportunities for small to medium sized suppliers in the region who do not ship nationwide, the ability to provide product to all 4,700 Walmart stores."

Walmart announced that it will close all of its 51 health centers across five states and shut down the virtual care offering. "Back in 2019, we launched Walmart Health centers. During our five-year journey, we made meaningful impacts with patients while continuing to learn, pivot and evolve. While our mission to help people save money and live better remains, today we are sharing the difficult decision to close Walmart Health and Walmart Health Virtual Care. Through our experience managing Walmart Health centers and Walmart Health Virtual Care, we determined there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue. The decision to close all 51 health centers across five states and shut down the virtual care offering was not easy. We understand this change affects lives - the patients who receive care, the associates and providers who deliver care and the communities who supported us along the way. This is a difficult decision, and like others, the challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs create a lack of profitability that make the care business unsustainable for us at this time. Our priority will be ensuring the people and communities who are impacted are treated with the utmost respect, compassion and support throughout the transition. We do not yet have a specific date for when each center will close but will share as soon as decisions are made. While we will no longer operate health centers, we will take what we learned as we provide trusted health and wellness services across the country through our nearly 4,600 Pharmacies and more than 3,000 Vision Centers." Reference Link

Walmart announced its latest private brand innovation, bettergoods: "a new elevated experience that delivers quality, unique, chef-inspired food at an incredible value," the company said. Bettergoods marks Walmart's largest private brand food launch in 20 years and the fastest food private brand Walmart has brought to market. "Today's customers expect more from the private brands they purchase - they want affordable, quality products to elevate their overall food experience. The launch of bettergoods delivers on that customer need in a meaningful way," said Scott Morris, senior vice president, private brands, food and consumables, Walmart. "Bettergoods is more than just a new private brand. It's a commitment to our customers that they can enjoy unique culinary flavors at the incredible value Walmart delivers." Bettergoods items range from under $2 to under $15, with most products available for under $5.